Our experience in operating across many different investment cycles and markets provides us with the context to manage change. Throughout these cycles, we have the people, philosophy and proficiency of process to plot what we believe is the right course for our clients' assets.

Terms of Use

Aberdeen Standard Investments is a brand of the investment businesses of Aberdeen Asset Management and Standard Life Investments.

You are attempting to access the website for Standard Life Investments products and services.

All information contained in this website is provided in good faith and is believed to be accurate and reliable at the time of compilation. The information in this website is provided "as is" and on an "as available" basis without warranties of any kind.

This website is designed to provide information on Standard Life Investments to institutional investors in North America.

The documents contained within this website are provided by Standard Life Investments as a Registered Investment Advisor and not as a Registered Broker Dealer. The documents contained within this website are provided by Standard Life Investments for general information purposes only and represents the opinion of the author based on market conditions at the time of writing, which are subject to fluctuations. Nothing on this website represents investment advice of any nature whatsoever, and it does not constitute an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any financial instruments. Accordingly, to the extent permitted by applicable law, Standard Life Investments does not accept any liability or responsibility for the information contained herein or any investment decision or other action you may take in reliance upon the information contained on this website.

It is not Standard Life Investments ("SLI") intention to act in a fiduciary capacity when engaging in marketing or promotional activities with respect to the Funds.. The communications and materials between you and SLI are not intended to constitute “investment advice” within the meaning of Section 3(21) of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code. By receiving these materials, you are deemed to make the following representations and acknowledgements: (i) you are a fiduciary with respect to the plan; (ii) you hold, or have under your management or control, total assets of at least $50 million, or you are a bank, insurance company, investment adviser or broker-dealer; (iii) you are independent of SLI, the Funds and their respective placement agents, representatives and affiliates; (iv) you will exercise independent judgment and are solely responsible for whether to purchase and retain interests in the Funds for the plan, and for any fiduciary liability arising from or relating thereto; and (v) you acknowledge that neither SLI nor the Funds undertakes to provide impartial investment advice or to act in a fiduciary capacity with respect to your decision to invest assets of a plan.

By clicking on "Yes - Continue" where indicated below you hereby acknowledge, agree and represent to Standard Life Investments that you (i) are or represent an Accredited Investor (as defined under Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933) and Qualified Purchasers (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940); (ii) will maintain the confidentiality of the information provided; (iii) will not disclose to or share with any other persons in oral, electronic or written form any of the contents of the restricted area of the website; (iv) have read and understood the Online Privacy Policy and legal information, and (v) accept these Terms of Use.

By clicking on "No" where indicated below you will be redirected from the North American website to our global website.

Aberdeen Standard Investments is a brand of the investment businesses of Aberdeen Asset Management and Standard Life Investments.

You are attempting to access the website for Standard Life Investments products and services.

All information contained in this website is provided in good faith and is believed to be accurate and reliable at the time of compilation. The information in this website is provided "as is" and on an "as available" basis without warranties of any kind.

What is governance and stewardship?

Setting standards

Good governance ensures that a company has clear direction, plans, structure and resources, all of which are necessary for financial success.

Governance and stewardship is about making sure that companies’ operational processes and policies are robust and responsible. Good governance ensures that a company has clear direction, plans, structure and resources, all of which are necessary for financial success. The onus is on the companies to adopt an accountable, transparent approach, demonstrating principles of integrity in their business practice.

At a time when environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues are a major concern, many of our clients are telling us that they believe companies should take more responsibility for the way in which goods are produced, services are provided and resources are used.

Why does it matter?

Ultimately, a well run company is more likely to deliver strong long-term investment performance.

It’s in the interests of every stakeholder to encourage companies to work within best practice guidelines. Many individuals, after all, have invested some form of capital in the companies’ success, whether in the form of labour provided by employees, the loyalty shown by customers or the money invested by shareholders.

Another point worth bearing in mind is that corporate governance allows businesses to stand out from their competitors. Companies that demonstrate a commitment to improving their corporate culture and acknowledge their responsibilities within the local community are more likely to enjoy a superior reputation.